Mosaic Connection offers seasonal workshop for entire family

WOOSTER -- Area children celebrated the season on Saturday with music, refreshments and a visit from Kris Kringle at the Mosaic Connection's 4th Annual Santa's Workshop.

Children in first through sixth grades could purchase gifts and create art projects for the gift-giving season, crafting art pieces like hand-decorated tiles and ornaments.

"It's an outreach, we use the art as a way to reach out to the community," explained Co-Director Melody Kirby, who founded Mosaic Connection with her husband five years ago. "We felt that this time of year, with holiday needs, it is an inexpensive way for families to bring their kids and do something special for the holidays."

As an organization that aims to link faith and the arts, Mosaic Connection recognizes everyone's talents. Through a variety of experiences, the organization encourages a creative and imaginative approach to meeting the ever-changing needs of the community.

Participants could win hourly door prizes, enjoy refreshments with their families, listen to music provided by Dan Bartkowiak and The Wacker Family and enjoy a reading of the Christmas story.

"There are three projects that the kids can make and they all get to make greeting cards, get their pictures with Santa, listen to music and eat food," said Kirby.

One art project allowed children to get their hands dirty.

"This is very messy -- shaving cream art," said volunteer Kelley Turner. "They are supposed to use just their fingers, but I've seen some kids with it clear up to the elbows."

The children also made their own clay tiles, designing each one using stencils, cookie cutters and other tools. With their artwork complete, the tiles were then baked for 15 minutes for the children to take home as gifts.

Another project transformed colored opaque light bulbs, paint marker, fishing line and glass beads into Christmas ornaments for the tree.

"The kids call these antique light bulbs," said volunteer Vonda Matthews. "There are three crafts in this section, and every kid can decorate them however they want."

Every child was also encouraged to make his or her own greeting card.

"We're making cards. If you want to make one you can," said Gabe Burns. "I got a rubber ducky from Santa. I asked for a gecko."

While the art projects were completed by children in first through sixth grade, a craft area was set up for younger siblings to enable parents to bring the entire family.

In an area designated especially for them, the young ones could have their own creative time, as well as get pictures with Santa, said Kirby.

At the gift shop, families could purchase hand-made chocolates, note cards, ornaments and more, all to benefit the Mosaic Connection. The non-profit organization is funded through private donations from individuals and businesses and fundraising efforts, like the gift shop.

This year, Mosaic Connection moved the event a few blocks north, from its former location at 120 Beall Ave., to the Wooster Mennonite Church.

"We have a weekly kids program here, too, until we find a permanent spot," said Kirby, noting that the program -- which is open to kids in second through sixth grade -- allows children a chance to experience fine arts, crafts, story telling, drama, music and more. The Winter Session begins again on Feb. 4.

For more information on the program, go to www.mosaicconnection.org.

Reporter Kelley Mohr can be reached at 330-674-5676 or kmohr@the-daily-record.com.